Abstract
The recent failure to conclude a global Pandemic Agreement has left significant gaps in the world's ability to handle future infectious disease emergencies. While the World Health Organization (WHO) has made progress by adopting important revisions to the International Health Regulations (IHR), these changes are insufficient on their own. Especially as the risk of another pandemic like Covid-19 is growing. The IHR amendments that have been agreed emphasise rapid detection of " pandemic emergencies " , greater preparedness, and additional competencies such as risk communication and managing misinformation and disinformation. What is missing are more expansive measures to prevent zoonotic spillovers and enhance data sharing. A comprehensive Pandemic Agreement going beyond the IHR is essential to address broader issues and achieve greater global cooperation and equity. Global solidarity is crucial to prevent future pandemics and honour the memory of the millions who have died from Covid-19. The international community's recent failure to conclude a global pandemic agreement leaves large gaps in our capacity to deal with the next major infectious disease emergency.